JOB DESCRIPTION
Bilingual Advocacy and Integration Worker JOB TITLE :
RESPONSIBLE TO: Harbour Renewal Project Coordinator
LOCATION:
SALARY:
Based at North Down YMCA offices, Bangor
£18,567 (pro-rata) – YMCA range E pt 7
HOURS:
DURATION:
27 hours per week
28 th May 2013 to 31 st March 2015 – subject to OFMDFM funding
JOB PURPOSE
The Bilingual Advocacy & Integration Worker will work alongside Harbour Renewal Project staff and volunteers in providing a culturally sensitive, bilingual advocacy service, to support socially excluded and newly arrived culturally diverse communities. In this regard, the Bilingual Advocacy
& Integration Worker will contribute to the development and delivery of programmes to support the integration of the BME community in North Down.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and deliver cultural awareness and language programmes for BME children and young people to encourage confidence in personal identity and heritage, and promote integration with the indigenous community.

Work as a member of the Project team during Drop-in sessions and for set appointments.

Facilitate advocacy surgeries on specific issues, as required.

Interpret for individual users in their interaction with service providers in accordance with the Project ’s aims and purpose.

Provide support for service users and liaise with relevant service providers to facilitate communication.

Contribute to the development of resources that will inform community, voluntary and statutory agencies of the social and cultural needs of local BME communities.

Provide ongoing support to the Polish Association of County Down to deliver relevant services and develop its capacity and governance.

Work closely with North Down YMCA staff and the Harbour Ward Community Association to facilitate the integration of the BME community within local service provision.

SCOPE & LIMITS OF AUTHORITY
The post holder will be involved in supporting the Harbour Renewal Project Coordinator and the
Polish Association of County Down to continue to identify needs in the BME sector and to assist in the development of new initiatives that will engage members of the community and encourage their integration within local service provision.
The post holder will receive work supervision on a monthly basis and is expected to work in consultation with other members of the team through the Project Coordinator.
General office hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm. However, evening and weekend work is regularly required. Additional hours are compensated by time off in lieu.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications:
GCSE English Level C or above, or equivalent qualification, and relevant working experience in a community setting using bilingual skills
Experience and knowledge:
Knowledge of the needs of migrant and minority ethnic communities in relation to health, education, employment, housing and access to services
Experience of working in a community setting doing translation or interpretation work
Oral and written fluency in English and Polish
Abilities and skills:
Good communication skills
Respect for confidentiality
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and occasional weekends
Ability to work as part of a team.
Willingness to undertake appropriate training and education as part of a commitment to continued professional development.
Commitment to working within an equal opportunities and cultural diversity framework.
Supportive of the Aims and Purposes of the YMCA
Desirable:
Interpreting or advocacy qualifications
Knowledge of the workings of the community, voluntary and statutory sectors in Northern Ireland
Oral and written fluency in Russian, Lithuanian and/or Latvian